Greg Rucka says:

A Gentleman’s Game goes on sale on September 28th in a glorious hardcover edition suitable for framing, or, better yet, reading. If you purchase the book prior to October 15th, 2004, and mail proof of that purchase—meaning the dated receipt for the book—to me, you will receive, automatically, an originally designed bookplate, signed and numbered by yours truly. This will be a one of a kind item, only available through this contest, and will feature original art by Steve Rolston, one of the Queen & Country comic artists.

I’ll say it again: send me the receipt proving you purchased the novel prior to October 15th, 2004, PLUS your name and mailing address (print clearly) and you automatically will receive the bookplate.

Additionally, if I receive your receipt prior to 10-31-04, you will be entered into a drawing for the following:

A complete set of the Queen & Country hardcover editions, covering the entire comic book series up to issue 24. The hardcovers are collectibles, and were made available to retailers on an initial order basis only. Several of the hardcovers are difficult, if not now impossible, to find. This set includes: Operation: Broken Ground (issues 1-4), Operation: Morningstar (issues 5-7), Operation: Crystal Ball (issues 8-12), Operation: Blackwall (issues 13-15), Operation: Storm Front (issues 16-20), and Operation: Dandelion (issues 21-25), as well as Queen & Country: Declassified Vol. 1.

We’ll be giving FIVE of these away. Five chances to win. The drawing will be conducted by my daughter Dashiell, and overseen by my son Elliot. Elliot is four and a half, so you know he’ll keep his seventeen month old sister in line.

That’s the contest. Win-win, from where I’m sitting, and I even get to clear some of the comps out of my basement. What could go wrong?

So, to recap, here’s the whole deal: Buy the new novel on or before 10-15-04. Mail the dated receipt, along with your name and address (printed out clearly, please), to me before 10-31-04. You will automatically receive the signed and numbered bookplate, and you will be entered into the drawing for the Q&C hardcover sets.

And the mailing address?

I Bought the Damn Novel Contest
3527 NE 15th Ave
PMB 113
Portland, OR 97212

We got one for my dad for his birthday. I'm too lazy to get him the bookplate, but still.

There are 4 galleries and one poem hidden on the preview site.

I love you.

Move over Night of 1000 Santas. San Francisco gives us: Lotsa Leias.

Thanks, Matt.

Embassy of Greece
Consulate General
Los Angeles, CA

FAGE Company to open yogurt factory in United States

The FAGE Company intends to open a yogurt factory in the United States and it will become the first European company registered to sell its products in all of the country's states.

The decision was taken by the company as a result of the great acceptance of its yogurt in the United States, after it began to export its products to the U.S. four years ago, achieving great success and receiving many awards for the quality of its products, which prompted it to establish the FAGE U.S.A. company.

Increased demand for FAGE's products and the company's intention to meet increased needs in all states in the United States, together with special legislation in the U.S. on imported goods, led to the decision to open the factory.

Thanks, Tiffany.

Project Vote Smart.

Johnathan reminds me that Dead Leaves is streaming all day today.

I can't seem to make it work -- I'm getting audio but no video -- but maybe you'll have better luck.

(More info in previous post.)

$39.99 seems reasonable.

I pretty much got jack shit done this weekend. Or rather, I didn't get any writing done to speak of this weekend. I shall console myself with a list of things I did accomplish (not in order):

1. Had a lovely date with my husband at the Plaza Art Fair. Had dinner at Eden Alley. Tried on an awesome leopard-print jacket at the Who Wants To Dress Like A Jersey Whore Store. Came home and watched Tokyo Drifter.

2. Made our meal plan for the week; did regular grocery shopping and hit the Asian market.

3. Went to the new Mac Store and Tiffany & Co. with Fraction. Tried on the 1837 collection lock pendant necklace and bracelet.

4. Spoke on the phone with: Nikol, Amity, Nana, Courtney, Laurenn, Dudu & Mom.

5. Made udon in miso soup and two batches of dashi for later in the week.

6. Drove out to Nebraska Furniture Mart, chose and ordered a convertible sofa for the library/spare bedroom.

7. Ate caribou and elk.

8. Watched Branded to Kill.

9. Read about Junko Fuji.

10. Got three new pair of panties.

11. Took the dog to the groomer's.

12. Washed and vacuumed the car under Xtop's tutelage.

13. Had a conversation with Fraction and Ellis about Queen and Kiss.

14. Talked trans fats and fish prep (two separate discussions) with Xtop.

15. Slept.

Greetings from NYC.

Thanks, OAA.

I just spoke with DJ Mikey Dough, who, by the time we got off the phone, had lost his map and was wandering around San Francisco blindly seeking a thai food restaurant.

He's safely navigated both Cambodia and Ethiopia on his own, so I'm sure he'll manage the wilds of San Fran.

Anyway, if you are in the area, you should know he's playing the Fillmore tonight: Karl Denson's Tiny Universe with special guest Mike Doughty

He also informs me that I 'sound like Matt Fraction.' I'm sure that's a good thing.

Cochrane: When you're doing that TV thing, you're doing the same thing for years and years. You can fall into bad habits as an actor and I think it can take a toll on your ability to act, which I think is scary.

CSI Files: Did you notice that in your own performance or that of other actors?

Cochrane: I noticed it in my own performance because there were times where I just didn't care if I was good or not, and that scared me.

More.

Thanks, Theron.

Updated the Work Log.

...the clock is ticking.

Here's a place to register and get entered into some kind of sweepstakes at the same time.

If you live in Florida...I'm just sayin'.

Thanks, Merry

Grand Poobah and Indy Cred Allstar, Jamar Nicholas is attempting to raise money for the American Diabetes Association by doing a commission a day for the month of October.

Diabetes is as common in my family as freckles are in Ireland, so I'd like to participate.

Follow along.

Heartbreaking.

Lots of posts today, as I try to clean out my inbox:

Agent Provocateur

Agent Peonie 60% OFF

Agent Nancy 50% OFF

Daisy 70% OFF

Agent Baby 70% OFF

Further scandalous reductions
Up to 70% off as the online sale whips up a frenzy
Limited stock available

Japanese publisher Shufu-to-Seikatsusha, known for its numerous women oriented publications, has started publishing a new anime magazine aimed at adult Japanese women.

More.

Thanks, Johnathan.

It gets SEVEN miles to the gallon.

It's going to be Rory Cochrane. Of course it is. Because he can actually act. And he stands a decent chance at a career after CSI: Miami.

We do a revolving dinner party thing with Hector & Renee and Steven & Dawn. Fraction & I host next, and I want to do a Nero Wolfe theme.

So, the obvious choices:

- make dinner from the Nero Wolfe Cookbook;
- serve beer;
- put orchids on the table; and
- watch the A&E series over dessert.

How else could we work the theme in?

Saw them on Conan the other night.

So...was that guy doing an Elton John impression on purpose...?

And here I thought I was special because I got to see pages in Hector's studio. Turns out you're all special, too: LURKERS Preview Art.

More info.

Updated the work log.

DAVEHOLMES: i'm doing a guest-spot at a politically-themed comedy show tonight,
DAVEHOLMES: and since i have no idea what to talk about,
DAVEHOLMES: i'll be reading 9/11-themed "lost boys" fan fiction.
KELLYSUE: Tell me you're not kidding, please.
DAVEHOLMES: totally serious.
DAVEHOLMES: with the "thou shalt not kill" song playing in the background.
KELLYSUE: I love you more than life itself.
KELLYSUE: I swear to god if I weren't married, I'd propose.
DAVEHOLMES: oh thanks. but we'd be 3 kids deep by now.
KELLYSUE: It's true. But what brilliant and attractive children they'd be.
DAVEHOLMES: already working in a trendy record store.
KELLYSUE: Saving money to record their demos.
KELLYSUE: I'm so proud.
KELLYSUE: All right, toots. I have to get back to writing ironic vampire fiction.
KELLYSUE: ...oddly enough.
DAVEHOLMES: wow. that's...
DAVEHOLMES: just know, i'm not making fun of YOU tonight.
DAVEHOLMES: just your people.
KELLYSUE: I know. I ... I know.
KELLYSUE: That's cold comfort, but I know.
DAVEHOLMES: never forget it. have a good night, dear one.
KELLYSUE: you too. Break legs; stake hearts.

Japan schoolgirl killer locked up

A Japanese schoolgirl who stabbed and killed her classmate earlier this year has been sent to a juvenile correctional facility for two years.

The 11-year-old girl, who cannot be named, was sentenced by a Nagasaki court in a case which shocked Japan.

The girl reportedly told police she was annoyed by comments which her schoolmate, Satomi Mitarai, posted on the internet about her appearance.

More.

More.

Those of you who know something about classical music, does this look right to you?

"The Farewell"
12 Etude Opus 10 No. 3
Chopin

...I can't figure out if the 12 is in the right place.

Does anyone remember what the recording says when you call someone and they're out of range?

It's something like the "The cellular customer you are trying to reach has left the calling area. Please try your call again."

DAMN, that was good.

As promised, Jillz just sent me a bar of Dark Chocolate - Cardamom from Rococo Chocolates. Oh, yum.

It looks as though they do ship overseas...

Thank you, Jill. When you get settled in your new place, I'll send you something from Christopher Elbow.

Eric Searleman occasionally does me the great favor of throwing a Japanese fashion mag into the box when he sends me manga. You see what a charmed life I lead?

What if you want Japanese magazines but you don't have a generous editor in your life? Funny you should ask: Jean Snow can hook you up. His focus is on art mags, but I'm sure you could convince him to pick you up something frivolous. Couldn't hurt to ask anyway.

If I had more time on my hands, I'd ask him to track down Japanese knitting mags. I understand they're beautiful, but too much research is required in learning to read their charts.

...And as for that ghost of Golightly—Sarafpour summoned her via an impressive trench that came out in white, coral, and gleaming silver versions. The pattern, she said, was copied directly from the movie [Breakfast at Tiffany's]. "My trench has been one of my best sellers since I started three years ago. This year, I did it as a kind of ode to Tiffany."

– Janet Ozzard 

DARK
One time I went to the store.
The store was dark.
Just like my soul.
Because it was closed.
The store, not my soul.
Actually, my soul is closed too.
Shut up. It's my poem.
Trent Reznor rules.

He may not know it, but he came this close to being arrested. Some of the people he stalked even had a "sting" planned. I understand the penalties for "fighting crime" as a vigilante while riding your ten-speed around dressed in spandex and a motorcycle helmet after dark when you are a three-hundred-pound man are very severe.

...That is, of course, one of the many brilliant taglines to the film "Angel" -- not to be confused with "Avenging Angel." The latter came, um, later. I liked it when I was 14. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess it doesn't hold up.

Shows are going up daily at style.com. Nothing's really rocked my socks off, but I did note that orange is everywhere.

Not crazy about the colors, but the pattern is super-cute.

A novel odour
John Mullan
Tuesday September 7, 2004
The Guardian

Smell being the most evocative of the senses, it is not surprising that literature is full of aromas. Now an Italian per fumière , Laura Tonnato, has tried to do justice to the olfactory imagination of some of her favourite authors, concocting five scents to match five odorous moments in classic novels.

Thank, Jamie. More in link. (There is one called "Suskind"....)

My September Vogue arrived yesterday. Fraction -- having never paid much attention to Fall fashion magazines – was apparently unaware that the September issue is POUNDS OF PRETTY asked incredulously, "Is that all ONE magazine?" Indeed it is, indeed.

Well, all except for that weird and vaguely insulting, "How To Dress Your Man" pamphlet with a mustachioed Colin Farell on the cover. I like the 'stache, but Farell skeeves me out.

Anyway.

I don't wear menswear looks well, and this issue is crazy about Girls Who Dress Like Boys, so a good deal of the fun eluded me. I pulled out maybe 6 pages? Very restrained.

Oh, but this is brilliant.

New books available for pre-order: Stitch 'n Bitch Nation, the follow-up to Debbie Stoller's instant classic, and Knit Wit, by Amy Singer of Knitty.com.

See also: Get Crafty.

http://www.lovemybubbles.com/

When do I wear Bubbles?
As often as you like! Bubbles are most effective when worn under fitted or tailored pants or jeans but will also improve profiles under skirts, dresses and shorts.

What other lingerie goes with Bubbles?
Bubbles are best complimented by g-strings, thongs, boy shorts or nothing at all! For a sleek profile, avoid wearing full coverage underwear with Bubbles.

How do they work?
Bubbles pushes your tush from below. Specially woven stay-up bands provide comfortable support below each butt cheek using a combination of silicone, slight compression and vertical support.

Take that, Gravity! Thank you, Daily Candy.

I haven't had much time to knit in the past few months, so these projects have been in progress for, um, an embarrassing length of time. And neither is likely to get finished in the immediate future. Still, here you go. (Since they're both patterns of my own invention, I have a couple of probems to work out. Maybe you can help?) (Oh, I apologize for the quality of the pics. Had to use the new futurephone as the regular camera needs new batteries. I haven't quite mastered the new phone.)

First up, the Spring Clutch! Inspired by the Lily Pulitzer revival and Margot Tenenbaum's new preppy. This was supposed to have been for Spring '04. Maybe I'll get it done in time for next year?

The plan here is to line the bag with the pink cotton gingham, attach the handles and add the wired butterflies. I might even embroider some pink flowers on it. Or better, a pink gingham ribbon tied in a bow around the top? Might be too much with the butterflies.

Right now, it's one panel folded in half along the bottom. I'm deciding whether or not to knit two triangular side panels to give it a little more shape. If I do that, I'll probably put a chipboard panel along the bottom between the yarn and the gingham.

The problem is that I'm not sure how to attach the handles. My best guess right now it to make sure that they're sewn to the gingham and not the knit, else the bag will sag horribly as soon as it's got more than a lipstick in it. Any thoughts? I have a vague notion that something should be inserted around the mouth of the bag to preserve its integrity, but I'm not at all sure how to go about that or what to use.

Yarn is two strands Fizz in key lime, one strand Lamb's Pride limeade.

Okay, the blue poncho. This started when I was at an Anthropologie in San Francisco with Grace and we found this beautiful loose-knit electric blue cotton poncho that was, like, $200. I determined I could make it for MUCH cheaper, and I made a sketch and guessed at the dimensions.

Fast forward, I've got it just about done (It's disturbingly simple: same construction as Villa, but with vastly different dimensions). The problem this time is the rolling edges. I'm not sure blocking is going to take care of it, so I'm thinking of adding some small glass beads to act as weights. What do you think?

As soon as I get it worked out, I'll start one for Laurenn in pink.

Not only is the Plaza getting a Tiffany & Co. (you may recall that I am so easily distracted by all things pretty and shiny that the Tiffany scaffolding nearly caused me to WRECK THE CAR a few weeks back) on September 10th, but Jillz and Karon both wrote to tell me that we're getting 1154 LILL handbags in October. I don't know these bags, but the ladies tell me they are beauties. And you can design your own.

It seems custom is the new trend in retail. Anybody tried Target's custom line yet?

Not sure whether the general manga/comics blogging should go in "personal" or "professional," but I'm gonna put it here for now.

Borders' Buy 3-Get 1 Free Sale on all manga and graphic novels.

The three titans of Japanese animation are all about to unleash monster new films. Watch your back, Shrek.

Excerpt:

"There was tremendous energy in Japan bubbling up then [the 1970s]," says Masuzo Furukawa, founder of Mandarake, Japan's largest manga store. "In your country, someone like Martin Scorsese got to make Mean Streets. In our country, somebody like Otomo went into manga."

Born in 1954 in a coastal farming and fishing area 200 miles northeast of Tokyo, Katsuhiro Otomo was a classic otaku (obsessive enthusiast) as a child. Shy, reclusive, and bespectacled, he often took the train to Tokyo to see nose-thumbing American movies like Bonnie and Clyde, Easy Rider, and Five Easy Pieces. After graduating from high school in the early 1970s, he raced to Tokyo to join the ascendant manga industry.

Otomo's first major success, Domu (1982), a creepy tale of a senile codger using psychic powers to terrorize a run-down housing development, was the first ever manga to win the science fiction Grand Prix, Japan's equivalent of the Nebula. Emboldened by the recognition, Otomo began work on Akira in 1982. Eleven years and 2,200 pages later, he laid down his pen.

Read the rest.

From Animation Insider Online:

A piece of Japanese animation with more chaotic action and random humor than most fans are accustomed to, the highly anticipated title Dead Leaves is about a young man and a young woman thrown that find one another on the lam from some nasty villains. From the creators of FLCL comes another unique release as distributed in the west by Manga Entertainment sure to acquire a curious glance or two.

###

From the Amazon page:

Dead Leaves is the latest installment in the collaboration between Manga Entertainment and Production I.G. that brought viewers Blood: The Last Vampire (2001) and Kai Doh Maru (2003). But Dead Leaves, which suggests a mixture of Ninja Scroll and Inspector Zim designed by Peter Chung, lacks the sensual elegance of the earlier OVAs. Retro, who has a television set for a head, and Pandy awaken with their memories erased. Sent to the lunar prison of Dead Leaves, they contrive an escape with hordes of other inmates. A long, pointless slaughter ensues, with blood, bullets, and body parts flying across the screen.

I have a comparatively low threshold for violence, but I might want to take a peek at this as a rental.